Henry targets early passage of Road Traffic Act this year

Transport and Mining Minister Mike Henry has signalled that the long-awaited passage of the new Road Traffic Act will take place early this year.

Henry told The Gleaner that when the House of Representatives reconvenes this month, he would be pushing for the law to be passed.

Commenting on the current amnesty for delinquent motorists, the transport minister made it clear that the Government would not be extending or offering another reprieve when it expires on January 13.

"There can be nobody considering that any amnesty will be renewed if I have anything to do with it," he said.

With the proposed new Road Traffic Act, motorists who breach provisions in the law should brace for stringent fines and the suspension of their licences.

Director of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) Ludlow Powell has indicated that motorists who run afoul of the law and accumulate demerit points could have their licences suspended.

STRICTER PENALTIES FOR BREACHES

Schedule Six of the new Road Traffic Act outlines several offences that attract severe penalties, including the imposition of more than 10 demerit points for single breaches, which could lead to the suspension of driver's licences.

Under the new Road Traffic Act, a person who accumulates 10 demerit points could have his licence suspended for six months, while a motorist with 14 demerit points could have his licence suspended for a year.

Any motorist who promotes or takes part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles on the road could be issued with 14 demerit points.

A motorist could also lose his licence for the offence of reckless or dangerous driving as this violation attracts 14 demerit points.

Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land a motorist in serious trouble with the law. This offence also attracts 14 demerit points.

The use of an electronic video device within the driver's line of sight while driving could cause a motorist to lose six demerit points, while a motorist who uses an electronic communication device such as a cellular phone while driving could lose four demerit points.